The Pharmaceutical Compounding Quality and Accountability Act clarifies oversight responsibilities. The legislation is in response to the fungal meningitis outbreak and related illnesses stemming from contaminated medicine made by New England Compounding Center that has sickened 741 people in the United States, with 55 deaths.

“My primary goal with this legislation is to erase the confusion over who regulates pharmacies and manufacturing facilities, and make it clear exactly who oversees each business,” Alexander said. “Putting one agency on the flagpole for each of these businesses will mean greater safety for American families so they don’t have to question whether the drugs they take are safe.”

Compounding manufacturers must register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and comply with good manufacturing processes. Traditional compounding pharmacies that mix smaller batches of drugs would remain under the purview of state regulators.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is to consider the bill Wednesday.